Duchess Of Sebria ✔️

Finding Rose In Death Chambers

23

Zebian's arms were wide open. His head staff was wrapping gauze around his broad chest. He quietly stood on the soapbox with a straight face. No expressions, no remorse. No one could tell he was the same man who sentenced nearly fifteen hundred men to death an hour ago.

The head staff snuck a glance at his face and immediately snapped down when their eyes contacted for a blink. His heart trembled badly. For the state which the king was in, he could even kill the poor man for simply looking at him.

Abruptly, the doors of the dressing chamber slammed open. Everyone's eyes darted in that direction except for Zebian's. He knew who had the audacity to disrespect him.

"I command you all to empty the room," Lucian commanded as he stormed inside the chamber and halted in front of Zebian. Zebian didn't look at him. The whole staff remained still in their position. The head kept wrapping his wounds. He dressed the king in a black shirt, tunic and long faux black cape and after clicking his badges, he clasped his hands, waiting for further orders. Zebian moved his eyes to the mirror and commanded them to leave. The head staff back-stepped with a slight bow of head and eventually retreated away.

Zebian stepped down the soapbox and simply walked past his sword of honour who turned around with a profound scowl. Zebian was about to step out the chamber when Lucian came ahead of him, blocking his way.

"You and I need to talk," Lucian pressed his hand on his toned abs. Zebian followed his hand. His brow shot up.

"This is the last time I'm bearing your insolence. It will only take me a second to chop this hand," Zebian spoke in a deep and gnashing tone.

"Stop this insanity, Zebian. You are going to execute fifteen hundred innocent people. This is no blague," Lucian stated in all seriousness. Zebian tried to step away. His hand pinned more into his flesh as he refused to get aside.

"I can even execute your army for all I care," Zebian spat coldly and crossed him.

"It is all because she ran away but how will you get these lives back once she's back?" Lucian spun around and stated loudly to have him stopped, which did the work. Zebian tilted his head a little to glance through his thick lashes.

"At least give me two days. I'm doing all in my power and I know I will catch her before the moon rises," Lucian requested as he stepped ahead.

His army was scattered in all twelve states of the world. Every man and woman was informed of her physical appearance. He even announced a great piece of land in Sebria hills as a bounty. He wouldn't let her slip away this time. Still deep down his heart whispered she was hiding somewhere in this castle. Just somewhere deceiving their eyes.

"She will realise her stupid stunts cost people their lives and will think thousand times before repeating the mistake," He retorted and continued to walk out. Lucian was staring at his receding back. A trembling breath flew into his mouth as he pitied the victims.

***

It was a chilly daybreak. Faint hues of yellows broke into the sky casting a mellow glow whereas the sun was still yet to rise from the east. It was candle holders that were producing lights among the layers of dark terror. The thick fog was atrocious, fuelling fear in people's hearts. For it emphasised the darkness of the day. The silence was screaming outrageously in the air. Every person present in the castle was a victim of the mournful ambience. For this morning was going to be marked as the darkest day of the era. For this morning was the morning of death, which would be remembered for centuries by crueller than the cruellest of emperors.

Zebian was standing on the stage on the ground, his hands fastened behind his back as he reckoned the event was imminent. Before his sight stood a tall and massive execution chamber. This was where fifteen hundred men would be publicly executed. To worsen the pain of the families, he announced their lives to be taken before their eyes. Their loved ones would see them getting on the noose.